A new study by the American Optometric Association (AOA) is shedding light on today’s myopia management practices among optometrists.
Tell me about the study.
The AOA received responses from 464 optometrists across 41 states and the District of Columbia regarding their myopia management experience and current practices.
Give me a rundown on results.
Nearly 70% of respondents reported that they presently provide myopia management services; of those, 93% practice in a metropolitan area and 71% work in an independent practice.
Just under three-quarters (73%) said that an annual progression of 0.5 to 0.75 diopters is acceptable before starting protocols for myopia management.
What’s their take on major risk factors?
Respondents ranked refractive error as the most important to consider, followed by (in order):
- rate of progression/rate of change
- patient age
- family history
- axial length
- lifestyle
- binocular vision abnormality
Preferred treatment methods?
FDA-approved soft contact lenses were the top-ranking treatment of choice among respondents, followed closely behind by off-label soft multifocal lenses, atropine therapy, and orthokeratology.
However, they also noted a potential inaccuracy in preference order for treatment methods, as the methods might be combined based on: patients’ ages and disease progression; patient/parent of a patients’ preference; or usage of executive/wide segment bifocals. (via)
What’s not being used for treatment?
Peripheral defocus spectacles ranked high by a landslide (69%), followed very distantly by progressive addition spectacles (37%), single-vision contact lenses/spectacles (36%), and orthokeratology (30%).
What’s the consensus on atropine doses?
The vast majority (80%) reported using atropine therapy for management. Out of that, a concentration of 0.05% was the most popular dosage (reported by 42%), followed by 0.025% (34%), and—distantly—0.01% (15%).
How about myopia education?
Sixty-three percent of respondents said they’d prefer more education on myopia control and management; 57% would prefer more education on patient engagement strategies; 50% want insurance coverage for myopia management; and 46% requested diversity in cost of interventions.
Takehome.
Optometrists’ input on current myopia treatments, best practices, and overall education provides an opportunity for the AOA to take action in developing potential resources and strategies for disease management and prevention. (via)